frequently asked questions

about kōdō

What is KŌDŌ?

Based in Amsterdam, kōdō was born from a deep fascination for Japan, its culture, and the rituals surrounding tea. Our name means “the art of smell”—a philosophy inspired by the calming aromas in nature and the subtle scents released while preparing tea. We celebrate craftsmanship, tradition, and mindful living through matcha and carefully designed accessories that bring presence and ritual into everyday life.

Where does your matcha come from?

We source our tea exclusively from a single, family-run farm in Uji, Kyoto—renowned for producing some of the world’s finest matcha. With over 400 years of expertise in the art of tencha, this farm hand-picks only the top leaves and uses traditional cultivation methods, resulting in matcha of exceptional purity and quality.

What makes kōdō matcha special?

Our journey was inspired by the story of Buddhist monks, who centuries ago drank matcha to sustain long hours of meditation. For them, tea was more than a drink—it was a ritual of mindfulness, patience, and presence. We embrace this same philosophy: every step of preparing kōdō matcha, from sifting the powder to whisking the tea, is designed to slow you down and create a moment of calm in a fast-paced world.

Exclusively sourced, this tea is not available overseas, making it a truly unique and precious addition to any matcha collection.

Is your matcha ceremonial or culinary grade?

kōdō offers only ceremonial-grade matcha—vibrant, smooth, and rich in umami. It is perfect for enjoying pure with water, or as a mindful latte with your favorite (plant-based) milk. We do not offer culinary-grade matcha, which is typically used for baking or sweetened drinks.

Do your products contain additives or sweeteners?

Never. Our matcha is 100% pure, with no additives, fillers, or sweeteners—just the finest hand-picked tea leaves from Uji.

How do I prepare matcha at home?

To prepare your matcha, sift 2–3 grams of powder into a bowl or cup. Add about 70ml of hot water (80°C, not boiling) and whisk in a gentle “W” motion with a bamboo whisk until a fine foam appears. For a matcha latte, top up with warm or cold (plant-based) milk. You can adjust the amount of matcha to your own taste—more for a rich, intense flavor, less for a lighter cup. Every preparation is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the sensory experience—the vibrant color, delicate aroma, and smooth taste.

How should I store my matcha?

Store your matcha in the specially designed airtight tin it comes with, away from light, heat, and humidity. After opening, it’s best enjoyed within about 3 months. As long as it keeps its vibrant green color and fresh aroma, your matcha is good to use. For extra freshness, you can also refrigerate the tin after opening.

orders & shipping

Where do you ship to?

We currently ship within the Netherlands and most European countries.

Which courier do you use?

We ship with PostNL (and their international partners).

How long will delivery take?

Within the Netherlands: usually 1–3 working days. Within Europe: 3–7 working days, depending on the destination.

What are the shipping costs?

Within the Netherlands, shipping is €5,95 for small packages. For other countries, €12,95.

Enjoy free shipping on all NL orders over €50.

Can I track my order?

Yes, you will receive a tracking number by email once your order has been shipped.

Do you offer international shipping outside Europe?

Not at the moment, but we’re working on it. Stay tuned by signing up for our newsletter.

payments

Which payment methods do you accept?

We accept all payment options available via Shopify Payments.

Is it safe to shop on your website?

Yes. Our webshop is hosted on Shopify and uses SSL encryption to keep your payment and personal data secure.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes! We offer digital gift cards that can be purchased online and sent by email. Perfect for any matcha lover.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Not yet, but we are working on it!

returns & refunds

Can I return my order?

You can return any unused non-food items, like our matcha tools, within 14 days. Just download our return form to get started. Please make sure your item is packaged securely to avoid any damage during shipping.

If something isn’t quite right with your order, we’d love to hear from you first. Please drop us a message at info@kodo-studio.nl so we can make it right for you.

Can I return opened matcha?

For food safety reasons, we’re unable to accept returns of matcha. If your product arrives damaged, please get in touch with us right away — we’ll be happy to help.

Do I need to pay shipping costs?

Return shipping costs are covered by the customer, unless the item is defective or we’ve made a mistake with your order — in that case, we’ll of course take care of it.

How long does a refund take?

Refunds are usually processed within 7–10 business days after we have received your return.

newsletter & account

Do you have a newsletter?

Yes! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates, rituals, recipes, and exclusive offers. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Do I need an account to order?

No. You can checkout as a guest, but creating an account allows you to view your order history and save your details for faster checkout.

contact

How can I contact you?

You can reach us at info@kodo-studio.nl or through the contact form on our website. We aim to respond within 2 working days.